Memorial Biography

Barbara Bitter was born in Northamptonshire where her father was stationed during WWI, lived in London, Berlin, Florence, Miami and Tallahassee, and passed on June 1st surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her early gift for language led to fascinating experiences as a WWII intelligence officer and then as an analyst for the prosecution of Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg. She also knew tragedy. Her father died an early death from WWI injuries when she was 13. As a young woman in WWII London, she lost her brother Robin and her young husband Laurence, both RAF pilots shot down in combat. During this time, she endured the Blitz, the frequent bombing of London by the Luftwaffe. These difficult experiences, however, were no match for her personal courage, will, optimism and humor. She took great joy in life every day, creating beautiful gardens, reading widely, enjoying the arts, and maintaining lifelong friendships. Her beaming smile, keen mind, and gracious charm uplifted everyone she encountered. We feel incredibly blessed to have known and loved her.

She is survived by three daughters, Robin, Noel, and Marietta. She is also survived by her grandson, Michael, and his daughters, Melanie and Camille, and by her grandson Matthew, and his wife Candon and son Callon.